MassCas tabletop game as a training tool in mass casualty incidents for primary healthcare doctors and nurses: a pilot study.
Primary health care research & development · 2026-03-26 · Observational study
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Mass casualty incidents (MCI) are a challenge for prehospital response. The global response may include primary health care teams (PHCT), even more in remote and rural areas. As training in MCI response is complex, it is essential to simplify it when focused in PHCT as it is a low frequency phenomenon in their context. Our objective is to measure self-perception and the impact of a brief training experience using a mass casualty incident tabletop game with primary care doctors and nurses. METHODS: Descriptive study of the impact of a training intervention on 27 primary care physicians and nurses in the Principality of Asturias. A 2-h training experience was carried out using a tabletop game. Self-perception was measured using a Likert's scale on methodology, knowledge and skills, as well as a multiple-choice knowledge test after two months. Strengths and weaknesses of the methodology were also identified using open-ended questions, as well as attitudes towards incidents with mass casualty incidents. RESULTS: 85% of participants improved their level of knowledge without providing them study material. Self-perception measured 27 items in 3 dimensions: methodology (Median = 9; interquartile range (IQR) = 2), knowledge (Median = 10; IQR = 1), and skills (Median = 9; IQR = 1). All items except one had a median greater than or equal to 9. CONCLUSIONS: Gamification using the MassCas tabletop game for mass casualty incidents is perceived by primary care doctors and nurses as a useful tool in their training for mass casualty incidents, as well as for acquiring specific knowledge and skills in this area.